NSW inmate's family 'devastated' by death

The "devastated" family of a NSW inmate who died in Silverwater maximum security prison has demanded answers as to why better security measures weren't in place.

Corrective Services and NSW Police have launched an investigation after Alfredo Pengue, 54, was found unconscious by guards on Friday afternoon following reports he had been bashed by another inmate.

"His family await answers as to how his death occurred and why better security measures were not in place at Silverwater MRRC (Metropolitan Remand and Reception Centre)," Mr Pengue's family said in a statement through their lawyer Diane Elston.